Useful Shortcuts (I)

Being a translator is a synonym for being a frequent computer user. As such, it is increasingly important to know about shortcut keys.

Basically, a computer shortcut is a set of one or more keys that invoke a command in software or an operating system. So, productivity can be boosted during the time spent working on the computer by invoking commands with a few keystrokes, otherwise, it will be accessible only through a menu, a mouse click, or through any other means.

Find below a list of commonly used shortcut keys for computers in general and Microsoft Windows that can provide an easier and quicker method of using the computer:

Basic computer shortcut keys

Alt + F: To file menu options in the current program

Alt + E: To edit options in the current program

F1: To open the universal help tab (for any sort of program)

Ctrl + A: To select all text

Ctrl + X: To cut a selected item

Ctrl + Del: To cut a selected item

Ctrl + C: To copy a selected item

Ctrl + Ins: To copy a selected item

Ctrl + V: To paste a selected item

Shift + Ins: To paste a selected item

Home: To take the user to the beginning of the current line

Ctrl + Home: To go to the beginning of the document

End: To go to the end of the current line

Ctrl + End: To go to the end of a document

Shift + Home: To highlight from the current position to the beginning of the line

Shift + End: To highlight from the current position to the end of the line

Ctrl + (Left arrow): To move one word to the left at a time

Ctrl + (Right arrow): To move one word to the right at a time

Microsoft Windows shortcut keys list

Alt + Tab: To switch between open applications

Alt + Shift + Tab: To switch backward between open applications

Alt + Print Screen: To create a screenshot for the current program

Ctrl + Alt + Del: To reboot/to open Windows task manager

Ctrl + Esc: To bring up the start menu

Alt + Esc: To switch between applications on the taskbar

F2: To rename a selected icon

F3: To start to find from the desktop

F4: To open the drive selection when browsing

F5: To refresh contents

Alt + F4: To close the current open program

Ctrl + F4: To close a window in a program

Ctrl + Plus Key: To automatically adjust widths of all columns in Windows Explorer

Alt + Enter: To open the properties window of a selected icon or program

Shift + F10: To simulate right-click on a selected item

Shift + Del: To delete programs/files permanently

Holding Shift during Boot up: To boot safe mode or bypass system files

Once you learn a lot of shortcuts, you will definitely notice a boost to your productivity. Use them and make your translator life easier and more productive every day.

Do you use shortcuts? Do you know any other shortcuts? Please, leave us your comment and share this blog post with your colleagues.

Learn more about our company at www.gitstranslations.com or send us an e-mail at info@gitstranslations.com. Visit our blog to stay updated!